Carol Bryant Patterson

Carol is survived by her four children and their spouses: Lanny Bryant and Heidi Lipkie Harris of Centennial, CO; Michael Brennan and Terri Hamlett Harris of Williamsburg, VA; Emily Elizabeth Patterson of Memphis, TN; and Kate Christine Patterson of Floyds Knobs, IN. She is also survived by her five grandchildren Kayleigh Jo Harris, Sydney Katherine Harris, Jacob “Jake” Andrew Harris of Williamsburg, VA and Aubry Michael Harris and Oliver Bryant Harris of Centennial, CO; her sister Betty Malia Bryant of Memphis, TN; her nephew Christopher Jeremy Hopson; her niece Jennifer Carol Hopson, as well as her former spouses Dr. Lanny W. Harris and Philip R. Patterson. She was preceded in death by her parents Ellis E. Bryant, Jr and Betty Belle Winburn Bryant.

Carolyn Lee Bryant was born on January 18, 1946 in Kansas City, MO. Carol and her family moved to Memphis, TN in 1959 where she graduated from White Station High School in 1964. She briefly attended Lambuth College in Jackson, TN and her passion for learning eventually led her to earn a bachelor’s degree in history from Avila College in 1996.

Besides being a devoted mother to Bryan and Brennan, Carol worked for several years as office manager, helping her first husband establish his private practice in orthopedics. Carol later remarried and along with her husband, pursued their shared dream of adopting, welcoming Emily and Kate to the family. Carol then devoted her time to her daughters including a period of time homeschooling. Carol enjoyed traveling and spending time with her children and grandchildren. During her life, Carol was always optimistic and maintained a positive attitude. She looked toward each day as a new adventure. In addition to her passion for learning, Carol loved dogs, books, cars and Coca-Cola.

A memorial service celebrating Carol’s life is scheduled for 2:00p.m. on November 25, 2017 at Mt. Moriah, Newcomer and Freeman Funeral Home, 10507 Holmes Rd., Kansas City, MO.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Carol’s memory to Gloucester-Mathews Humane Society, PO Box 385, Gloucester, Virginia 23061; http://www.gmhumanesociety.org/gifts-in-honor-or-memory.html or to the “Carol Bryant Patterson Undergraduate Research Fund” at William & Mary. Please make checks payable to the College of William & Mary Foundation and mail to PO Box 1693, Williamsburg, VA 23187.